Hazmoore rules Sampaguita stakes

Hazmoore pulled off perhaps the most stirring triumph in local turf this year when she ruled the Sampaguita Stakes Race in smashing fashion at San Lazaro Saturday.

That she did it over a punishing 1,900-meter distance made it doubly surprising for the noted sprinter, who benefitted from the lack of rivals in front in the early going and the superb handling of ace jockey Jonathan Hernandez, who steered the charger to a five-length victory over fancied Gold Edition and Streets of Gold.

The triumph was worth P600,000 for co-owners Jose Mari Franco and Sandy Javier.

Gold Edition, the top pick and winner of the Breeders Cup Classic, failed to unleash her strong finishing kick as did Streets of Gold as they settled for second and third places, respectively.

Hazmoore turned in a fast clocking of 1:58 1/2 with fractions of 17-24'-25'-24'-27, eclipsing the 2:00 clocking by retired superhorse Real Top in winning the 1999 Founders Cup over the same track. — Ramon Romualdez